The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rescued several children from an orphanage in Kagini, Bwari Area Council, following concerns over their welfare and alleged irregularities in the adoption process.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday and reported by the National Television Authority (NTA), the rescue operation was carried out by the FCT Department of Child Development in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), alongside other security and social welfare agencies.
The statement said the operation marked the beginning of an intensified rescue and monitoring exercise targeting adopted children within the FCT, some of whom were reportedly brought from Benue State.
“Some of the rescued children have been identified and placed under protective custody, while arrangements are being made to ensure their safety, medical attention, and psychological support,” the statement noted.
The intervention followed weeks of discreet investigations conducted by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat under the leadership of the Director of Child Development, Dr Idris Attah, over concerns surrounding the orphanage’s operations and the wellbeing of the children.
Authorities revealed that the proprietress of the orphanage fled shortly before officials arrived at the facility.
“Upon arrival, officials discovered that the proprietress had absconded hours earlier, abandoning the facility.”
“Her disappearance is suspected to be connected to the ongoing investigation and possible violations of adoption and child protection laws,” the statement added.
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Child Rights Act and sanitising the adoption process, warning that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
Investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to track down the suspect and uncover the full extent of the orphanage’s activities.
